Giant Becomes Title Sponsor Of Cycling Team Previously Known As Argos-Shimano

Giant Bicycles "has stepped in to become lead sponsor of the team formerly known as Argos-Shimano," according to Nigel Wynn of CYCLING WEEKLY. Rumors circulated last week that Giant "would be title sponsor for the WorldTour and women's teams in 2014 after oil company Argos finished its deal with the team." Official confirmation of the name change came on Monday when the Dutch squad "unveiled its new white, blue and black kit." Giant-Shimano "will debut at the Tour Down Under," starting in Australia on Jan. 21 (CYCLING WEEKLY, 1/13). SKY SPORTS reported Giant "had already agreed a 'multi-year' contract to supply the team's bikes from 2014, but stepped their support up when a deal with a previous prospective title sponsor, widely thought to be an American charity, fell through." The company "will also sponsor the team's development squad, as well as the women's squad, which includes British two-time junior world champion Lucy Garner." The women's team "will carry the name of Giant's women's cycling brand, Liv, on their jerseys" (SKY SPORTS, 1/13).